UN report Declares Surrogacy a Form of Violence, Calls for Global Ban
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A landmark report released July 14, 2025, by the united Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls, identifies surrogacy as a practice inherently linked to exploitation and violence against women and children. The findings are being hailed by international advocates as a pivotal moment in the fight to abolish subrogated motherhood worldwide.
A Historic Condemnation of Surrogacy
The report unequivocally states that surrogacy reinforces harmful patriarchal norms, reducing women to their reproductive capabilities and exposing children to significant human rights violations. This assessment marks an unprecedented level of international recognition, moving beyond ethical debates to frame the practice as a form of abuse.
Did you know? – The Declaration of Casablanca, a coalition of experts, strongly supports the UN report. They see it as a crucial step toward ending surrogacy globally. The report’s findings align with their long-held views on the practice.
“This is not an act of love, but a form of violence and exploitation,” declared a spokesperson for the Declaration of Casablanca, an international coalition of over 150 experts and associations. The Declaration of Casablanca enthusiastically welcomes the report as validation of its long-standing commitment to the universal abolition of surrogacy.
Key Recommendations for Global Action
The UN report outlines a series of urgent recommendations aimed at eradicating surrogacy on a global scale. These include:
- Complete eradication of all forms of surrogacy internationally.
- The immediate adoption of a legally binding international treaty specifically prohibiting subrogated motherhood.
- Implementation of a legal framework modeled after the Nordic model of prostitution legislation, which penalizes buyers, agencies, and clinics while decriminalizing the women involved.
- A complete prohibition of all advertising and surrogacy agencies.
- Strengthened international cooperation to combat trafficking in women and children connected to the surrogacy industry.
Reader question: – How do you think the proposed Nordic model approach will impact the surrogacy industry? Will it be effective in protecting vulnerable women and children? Share your thoughts.
The Nordic Model as a Potential Framework
The proposal to adopt a legal framework inspired by the Nordic model is especially noteworthy. This approach, currently used in countries like Sweden and Norway, focuses on reducing demand by penalizing those who profit from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, rather than criminalizing those being exploited. This strategy aims to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the surrogacy industry while offering support and protection to women involved.
Calls for Immediate State Action
The Declaration of Casablanca is urging all nations to take immediate duty and translate these recommendations into concrete measures. Advocates emphasize the urgency of the situation, arguing that continued inaction will only perpetuate the cycle of exploitation and harm.
“States must assume responsibility and act without delay to translate these recommendations into concrete measures,” a senior official stated.The report’s findings are expected to fuel further debate and advocacy efforts as the international community grapples with the complex ethical and human rights implications of surrogacy.
